I have recently become interested in Messianic Judaism...thoughts?

Question

I grew up in a protestant Christian home, but I have recently become somewhat disenchanted with how the Christian Church functions, and how they treat other religious groups.

So as a result, I have started researching Messianic Judaism, and their forms of worship and how they choose to honor G-d and the whole belief system really seems to strike a chord of truth with me.

But I was wondering if anyone here has converted from Christianity to Messianic Judaism and if you could share with me a little about your experiences?

Any input would be appreciated really--whether your are Jewish, Christain or Messianic. Just no hateful speech please, there is NO need for that.

Addition:

I understand that Messianic Judaism is still "Christian" in the fact that Jesus is the Savior, Messiah. But there are a lot of things about the forms of worship and how they live their day to day lives. Also holidays and festivals are Jewish as opposed to most of the Pagan-turned-Christian holidays.

More Added Details.

I NEVER said that I think Messianics are Jews. The way I see it, it is just another form of Christianity based on it's beliefs and everything. (But they are KNOWN as Messianic Jews, sorry--but I'm not the one who named them) But now I have an even bigger question, if you are a Jew why does it piss you off so much that just because I love Jesus means that I am not allowed to honor and respect Jewish customs and traditions? I mean, anti-Semitism is WRONG and I would fight to the death to defend Judaism if the need ever arose. Why can't that be okay? Why can't I love and respect your culture? Because honestly, if you ask me, you are just setting a double standard.

Answer 1

If you wish to learn about this religion, and embrace it, go for it. I hope it brings you peace.

However, please never call yourself a Jew. This religion is not a form of Judaism, and to call it such is an insult to Jews. The religion you speak of practices thing that Jews are not allowed to, and believes in things that oppose Jewish law. The practitioners are not Jewish by Jewish law.

By all means, practice Christianity in whatever form you wish, but realize that it is not Judaism.

Edit- Perhaps you misunderstand where our anger comes from. We are not unhappy with you for choosing a religion other than Judaism; we do not believe that there is only one valid way to G-D. Our anger toward these "Messianic Jews" comes from the devaluation of our religion that they practice. In general, Christianity devalues Judaism by claiming to be a successor religion, and not a separate one. That's arrogant and gaulling enough. However, "Messianic Jews" take this insult several steps further. First, they claim to be Jews at all, which they are not. Second, they claim to be "completed Jews," which therefore makes us in come way incomplete. Lastly, the primary mission of most "Messianic Jews" is to convert Jews and thereby destroy our community. The "Messianic Jewish" movement is largely an arm of the Southern Baptist Convention. Taking all this into account, we simply believe this group to be dishonest, arrogant, and an afront to our way way of life because of their agenda.

Answer 2

When one examines the fundamentals of "Messianic Judaism" (not the trappings in worship) one realizes that it affirms all or most fundamental Christian beleifs. This makes it idametrically opposed to the fundamentals of Judaism.
This, BTW, does not only apply to "belief in Jesus" but also other things such as the nature of G-d, G-d's expectations of man, sin and atonement, etc. etc.
It should also be noted that NO branch of Judaism recognizes it as a "Judaism". In fact, the only people who do are the Messianics themselves and some forms of Evangelical Chrisitan groups.
So, in summary, it is a weird form of Protestant Chritianity with Jewish trappings, not a Judaism. And since many of their adherants are not born Jews at all, but Christians like you, you may feel at home there. Though, if I were a Christian, I would probably go for a Christianity that isn't inheritly contradictory.

Answer 3

Uh,it's not 'converting'.We both believe in the same things,same Bible,same Jesus.The only difference is that they are Jews who believe Jesus fulfilled the messianic prophecies,as compared to Jews without a belief in Jesus.
If you prefer a Messianic synagogue for the praise and worship,music,etc,that's great.No one should judge you on that,just like no one should judge you if one prefers to go to an Anglican church vs Pentecostal.
But it sounds like you think it's an entirely different religion,without the belief in Christ.
By the way,there is no point giving up a belief just because some people don't act right.
I'm not sure what you mean by how the Christian church treats other religions.Debating,or trying to tell other groups about Jesus,isn't bad.

Oh,okay,now I get you.In that case,go right ahead.There is nothing wrong with worshipping in the Jewish way or celebrating Jewish feasts as opposed to pagan-turned-Christian ones.As long as you keep Jesus,everything is A-OK.

Answer 4

HI! I am a baptist/christian, and I dont think that we hate other religions :( I think that we really just want people to read the bible and take it for what it is, not take away, and add things. When other religions do this, it makes it difficult to get along, since God specifically says NOT to do this. Anyways, we believe that people of other religions can be saved too, as long as they are following the bible, not the religion or church or preacher!

Messianic Judaism is something I know very very little about... But I would venture to say your problem with thinking others are wrong and people treating other religious groups wrong is still going to happen, I think its natural to be defensive.

Just follow the bible :) Do what God tells you to do, and you can not go wrong. Find a church, whatever kind it may be, that teaches the bible, and the bible only! Good luck!

Answer 5

I was told that you had to be Jewish in order to become a Messianic Jew! I'm confused now! I think it's nice, but just remember...Jews don't accept Messianic Judaism because it totally goes against their own religion! But if you like it, go for it!

peace=)

EDIT: yes, i see how the jewish side of it interests you. Yeah, it's just something different from the usual christian practices!

Answer 6

Hi

We are a group of believer of Yeshua who love the Jewish people, who love the Torah, observed the Shabbat, Biblical feast and study the Hebraic roots of Christian faith. You can visit us at the below source link to know more about Messianic Believer in Yeshua. Trust that you find much blessing.

Answer 7

Some may call it spiritual window shopping--but hey---just go where you feel comfortable--:]